From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=487">bp</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

~aparajita~"winter blues"...once again you've managed to grasp the flicking tongue from the ugly life's serpent's head and give it a little tug.....good job<BR>
<BR>
bp
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=872">CryingShame58</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

JIM JIM JIM JIM<BR>
<a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.12.02.21.52.13583">Christmas Wishes</a> ...i liked this new one by you... reminded me of a song written and sang for the movie "the wedding singer"....<BR>
starts out sad and sweet....then out of nowhere it goes in a completely direction....good job my friend....take care...<BR>
CS58
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=161">Malu Lani</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Lady and aparajita:  Thank you so much for your warm welcome and your well wishes.  I wish both of you unending happiness and joy during the holiday season.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1381">Imaswimrok</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Hey everyone. Sorry I missed out on that heated debate... It sounded like fun...<BR>
I just posted some new work. Please let me know what you guys think about them, it would mean alot...<BR>
<BR>
Thanks, Kaylee
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1381">Imaswimrok</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Malu Lani: This site was made for people to express their feelings about what is going on in their lives... They should be able to what they want, even if they do sound "MELONCHOLY". They should be able to do that without people like you putting a guilt trip on them. I just thought that your post to "winter blues" was somewhat harsh.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1176">aparajita</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

imaswimrok:  thanks for the defense.  i have a pretty thick shell tho and did not take offense at all from malu lani's critique of my material.  actually, i welcome comments such as these because i can always get better as a writer.  it is interesting to hear other perceptions since i only look at my work from my perspective.  you know "i know what i meant to say, did it read that way?"  as stated before, i am a selfish writer, in that i am only in it for me and to vent my feelings.  good and bad.  if it touches someone else then that's an unexpected warm fuzzy bonus.  and, it never hurts any of us to find out that we should be more thankful than we are.  question for you on <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.12.03.16.33.25720">He took her today</a>... as a child i was raped and when i read this i remembered vividly that incident.  are you in a safe place in life?  if not, please get help.<BR>
<BR>
bp:  wow!!  thanks for your comment.  did i do that really???<BR>
<BR>
laurel:  your muse is working again overtime, good stuff coming out of you, thanks.<BR>
<BR>
malu lani:  <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.12.03.15.29.12426">New Relationships</a> cute!!  my daughters dad was the biggest nerdy stupid looking guy i had ever seen when we were teenagers, yet i fell in love with every inch of him as only the young can.  this made me remember my revulsion of him in the beginning and how my young heart fell so hard and fast soon thereafter.  treasure these feelings, you will remember them always, regardless of where your road leads you in your journey.<BR>
<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1050">Kase</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Why don't you people reflect upon yourselves instead of judging others so damn much?  I want to break some pointing fingers around here.  I hope you gay bashers bust your ass wide open when you fall down off of your high horses and soap boxes. Do you feel better about yourselves and your so-called perfect little worlds?  <BR>
<BR>
I haven't been here in a while, but I take offense to this uptight narrow minded bullshit. I do believe that there is a special place in hell for judgemental assholes. Jerry Falwell will preach everyday and you can just have him mind fuck you for eternity, instead of a gay man poking your "moral" uptight asses!<BR>
  As Jesus said, "He who is without sin..."  Quit throwing rocks or a big ass boulder will fall on your head!<BR>
<BR>
I miss the old blender, the one where people cared about one another and sat down every once and a while and typed some decent poetry.  What gives?<BR>
<BR>
I'm 100 percent agnostic now because of so called "organized" religious freaks shoving their perfection down people's throats.  I hope you hypocritical bigots wake up one day.  No one would utter the awful word "nigger" here, but I can bet a lot of you wouldn't even blink at the equally nasty word "faggot".<BR>
<BR>
One day people will be seen as people and not titles.  I'm sick to my fucking stomach.<BR>
<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=161">Malu Lani</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

imaswimrok:  i meant no harm to aparajita...i was merely making a statement.  sorry if i came off as being rude
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=161">Malu Lani</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Apparently I angered quite a few people with my comment to aparajita...I would like to publicly apologize to everyone and to aparajita for I meant not to sound judgemental at all, and I definately don't think anything was wrong with the poem at all...if you read my comment, I LOVED it.  
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1139">jwb71913</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Hmmm Kase, Please don't lump me in with a "you people".  I saw more than one opinion expressed in this debate..... All I want to do is write......Jim
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1139">jwb71913</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

PAM PAM PAM,  It's that time of year.  Let's don't be melancholy..... How about a nice glass of Christmas cheer?  You sound like you know what you're doing here  <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.12.03.17.24.2093">Getting Out</a>   Jim
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=872">cryingshame58</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

JIM,<BR>
I am in a good place...I am boosting with cheerfulness...<BR>
<BR>
KASE,<BR>
We need to talk...seems the debate angers you...<BR>
<BR>
CS58
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=872">cryingshame58</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Maui Lani,<BR>
hey...when i read your comment, i read encouragement...<BR>
CS58
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1050">Kase</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I didn't name any names, Pam.  I'm just pissed off because a great writer and friend passed away last week, and he was gay.  Maybe I'm being overly sensitive, but I've been hearing the moral debate about whether he "earned the right" to go to heaven. I just don't think humans can debate or decide that or that people have the right to try to play God when it comes to certain things. <BR>
<BR>
Look at how many of the "Classics" were written by gay people.  Oscar Wilde, Jean Genet, a lot of great writers weren't normal by the standards of their times, or by ours.<BR>
<BR>
Needed to vent, but I hold strong to my opinion and don't go back on that word.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=902">spaded</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I just wanted to add my two cents worth....<BR>
<BR>
I think it is wonderful for christianity that epsicopolians are making changes in their structure. <BR>
<BR>
According to the Bible, Jesus made room for everyone in his life. Why should those of christian faiths not make room for everyone in their places of worship.<BR>
<BR>
In the end everyone on this earth is only human. That goes for preachers and bishops, and even the pope. I don't believe there is room for "I am better than you" in christianity. Not if you truly embrace your faith. If you do that you would realize that the best you can do is never really good enough, so there is no point in judging other people. When your time is up you will do what all other christians will do, hope to be forgiven. No one is perfect. Not even you, or you, or....I think you get my point.<BR>
<BR>
Just to make it clear, I am not criticizing anyone. The world would be pretty boring if everyone didn't have their own opinions, and this is mine.<BR>
<BR>
Holly
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=161">Malu Lani</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

CS58: <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.12.03.17.24.2093">Getting Out</a> was gorgeous.  Thanks so much for sharing that one, that one particularly spoke to me
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=872">cryingshame58</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Kase & Holly,<BR>
One of the lovely things I have admired about the Episcopal Church is that it embraces anyone, everyone, and that includes gay people publicly...I am not aware of the other Christian religions that are that liberal...I am curious to know which Christian religions include openly gay people...<BR>
One thing that has been stressed in the Episcopal church is that if you have a conflict with anyone anywhere that you should refrain from taking holy communion until that conflict is resolved...personally, that is something that has helped me in all my relationships.<BR>
Living down south in the bible belt, I know of one Christian religion that will not allow people to join their church if they work for a liquor/beer company or a casino, but will deposit money given by the earnings of the same people....<BR>
I am aware that many people that have held high positions of the Christian faith were once unworthy and consumed with sin/addictions/etc until they turned their life around...then they live exemplary lives...for me, i know that i am not worthy enough to hold a high position...in my life i have fallen from Grace of God and had to resign a position that held close to my heart...it's part of penitance and healing...I firmly believe that a person holding a high position in a church that they be an exemplary Christian...<BR>
CS58<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1120">Chances</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I can't believe that some people hold the opinions they do (and that's all they are, people) in what is supposed to be an open and enlightened time, where we should be educated enough accept people no matter creed, culture or sexuality. Word? 
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I keep typing and then backspacing to erase on these subjects. I'm not a religious person tho I was raised as one for almost twenty years. I take everyone one face at a time and try not to put anyone into groups with names.<BR>
<BR>
As far as heaven or hell I have my doubts about both. But my opinion is that people with different beliefs (and if you study history this is how it all gets started) usually start their own religion. I mean just think your own pope and the popetts, priests and your own way with the money and a trip to heaven as you believe. There have been many offshoots from different christian religions. Which is why by the way, I disbelieve in them all. So far there is none that bring us all together. They divide and subdivide and all think they are the only ones going to heaven. I mean excuse me, there are good people in all groups and to say that unless they believe a certain way they will go to hell. I realize the chances of everyone agreeing on anything is as the odds of there being life on Mars.<BR>
<BR>
As for the Aids thing, well you know, if you know that a certain lifestyle can kill you then why would you do it. I mean it's like knowing that wild jungle meat can give you EBOLA and kill you instantly...ooh lets try it. Thats not passing judgement on anyone, just plain ole whatever happened to COMMON SENSE? <BR>
 <BR>
Now for the porn subject. If you're having to use porn for anything then you might as well be doing it with the goldfish. (ooh fancy that) Your sensuality is all between your ears and only you can make it happen or not, good, bad, beautiful, heavenly, sad or evil. Porn is slavery and usure for women and children. It's a pawn flesh market and all you do by partaking is keep the barbarians and bullies in this world in lots of money. It's very sad and I think there is no chance of happiness in its presence.<BR>
<BR>
The  opinions expressed here are strictly my own and anyone that would like to dispute them speak now or forever hold your PEACE.<BR>
<BR>
bk
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I'll speak now. The only time I'll forever hold my peace is when I'm dead and scattered. I was going to say dead and buried but I want to be cremated and scattered over the L.A. Freeway. I want my ashes to be scattered over perverts driving their BMWs to work in Studio City. Gay men driving their Jaguars to work in Beverly Hills. Gay women driving their Acuras to work in West Hollywood. Devout Catholics driving their Harleys to Beverly Hills. Buddhists driving their Ford Granadas to Reseda. Brad Pitt driving his electric car to Bel Air. And so on and so on. I want to be scattered over the whole mess of humanity, mingled with carbon dioxide and sunset smog forever and ever amen/awomen.<BR>
<BR>
Pornography is no more slavery than working for McDonald's or Wal-Mart or Walt Disney. I would never condone child or animal pornography but that kind of goes without saying. The stuff I enjoy is softcore erotica and involves men and women only. Am I ashamed? No. Should I be? I doubt it. People choose their ultimate destinies. We all have accidental destinies to deal with. We can transcend or succumb to the accidents, i.e. things we cannot control. When I see photos of naked women at sublimedirectory.com I don't think,"That poor victim. Bless her heart." When I watch topless dancers in clubs my heart doesn't exactly bleed. I have danced in various clubs myself because it was quick money and it beats the hell out of waiting tables or working a drive-thru window.<BR>
<BR>
We really shove God/Blind Faith/Patriotism/Victorian Morality down people's throats in America. Does that make us a superior people? Nyet. Germany is much more lax when it comes to sexuality and the people there are more educated and intellectual by and large than hick Americans raised on "Jerry Springer" and "Mama's Family." <BR>
<BR>
Gawd, I thought my generation would be better than this. We suck. The Sixties were just a fashion statement. The Seventies was a slumber party. The Eighties...pin the tail on the jackass. No one has all the answers. We have our own bizarre set of aesthetics and beliefs and ideals and tastes. This reminds me of that "Twilight Zone" episode where the beautiful girl had surgery to look like all the monsters who were supposedly "normal."<BR>
<BR>
I will never have sex with a fish.LOL.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I'm digging this online confernece on morality, sexuality and relationship integrity (for lack of better words).  I was worried about Kase's knee-jerk reaction (the "you people" comments).  I imagine they were directed more to my comments than anyones...<BR>
<BR>
Let me be clear - I'm no Bible-thumper, and I frankly have not met many religious people who copped a "holier than thou" attitude with me.  Yes, the leaders of various religions have to tow the line and often are interpretted as judgemental when they are simply stating the facts of their beliefs in strong and powerful ways.  I will have to say that I am dismayed by the negativity people of faith are shown, and (except for evil televangelists) I really have never heard many religious types venting the kind of bile that you so often hear from alledgedly PC liberals.  Behavior is everything, and character and behavior are inseperable.<BR>
<BR>
I don't presume to be the judge of who can and cannot love one another - I simply feel that it is tragic that men and women cannot often distinguish love and lust.  THAT, in my mind is the fault of pornography and the "anything goes" school of liberal thought in American (which is, thankfully, on the decline).  I can (and do) love many men; however, I know better than to confuse male intimacy with sexual thoughts or actions.  I find that many hardcore gays tend to be recruiters and tend to focus efforts on non-gays who are vulnerable (i.e. domestic violence victims, alcoholics and drug addicts, etc).<BR>
<BR>
But it isn't for me to judge; I'm just stating my beliefs and interested in starting a useful, often avoided debate (or, conversation).  For those of you who have a burr up your butts about religious types though, I have to say, get off it.  If you were damaged by your family's religion as a child, or if you simply feel too intellectual or agnostic or whatever to have a regligious life, just be strong in your own mind and belief but give the religion bashing as rest - it has largely done far more good than harm in our society.  On the gay topic, I am in no way gay-bashing...just bothered by such behavior.  I've made no agreement as an American or religious type to have to accept that kind of lifestyle and behavior.<BR>
<BR>
I'm also happy to see so many healthy responses re: the whole PORN topic.  Let's all be a little more vocal about it in our collective neighborhoods, families, and to your legislators....K?<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=872">Cryingshame58</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

BK<BR>
Based on my experiences, what i have learned and the churches that I have attended, I think that most people yearn to find their own way of worship...sometimes that isn't in a church...people that do attend churches go for different reasons...i believe and was taught in the Episcopal church that our common goals are to love one another, help each other, live life to it's fullest and to grow as an individual is our purpose...sure, heaven is that wonderful paradise that has no pain and I believe that is my destiny...To grow spiritually is an awesome part of being a small unit of the universe...Everyday is special even when it's hell...I believe that every person's walk here is different but just as important as anothers...This is the time of year to celebrate God's gifts, repair relationships, to share our joy of life with others, lend a helping hand, but not to let it stop there...to carry these on through the next year...This all may sound hoakie to many, but God's love has made my cup runneth over...and I am a happy girl...<BR>
CS58
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Interesting article in the latest Dallas Observer... about the rise and fall of the world's largest "gay church..."  <BR>
<BR>
It is all about behavior and character people...<BR>
<BR>
<a href="http://www.dallasobserver.com/issues/current/feature.html/1/index.html">http://www.dallasobserver.com/issues/current/feature.html/1/index.html</a><BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I don't believe in a literal heaven and hell - I think it is a metaphorical assessment about where a person's life is in THIS lifetime on Earth.  Either "heavenly" or a literal "hell on earth."  I see far too many people leading hellish lives where nothing is special or sacred (except their own whims, borne out of their own imperfect minds and flawed hearts.  As for POETRY, you can't find a better work of art than The Bible.  Yes, Kase, there have been many great homosexual artists in history... but the art inspired by the Divine far surpasses all others... be it Christian or Buddhist or Hindu.
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

<a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2003.11.18.23.24.9899"> 3:1-8</a> <BR>
<BR>
Word.<BR>
<BR>
(For a brilliant treatment of the "darker" side of The Bible, invest in a copy of WORMWOOD by The Residents - awesome!)<BR>
<BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

I agree with Injun Joe on the fact that you'd better make your heaven here. I think if you come back at all you'll be a different entity. I used to tell my son if he were bad he might come back as a cockroach..but I think they save that for child molesters<BR>
<BR>
Pam, my father is a Deacon in his church and some of my cousins are Episcopalians. We have quite a story in our family with a cover of "Look" magazine and a priest in his long robes with one of my little cousins that saw the light. It was all hoo doo (smoke and mirrors) getting this priest a lot of attention which he never deserved. But anything in this day and age that gives you a Peace on Earth, without drugs or shrinks, I am all for. <BR>
<BR>
bk
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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Still the best thing I ever did for my my mind and relationships, and to be more effective in my creative works... they also have a great set of CDs on relationships and it is a great place to meet great people.<BR>
<BR>
<a href="http://www.landmarkeducation.com/">http://www.landmarkeducation.com/</a><BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=1269">Injun Joe</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Here is a link to an excellent online article about Landmark Education's course called "The Forum"...FYI<BR>
<BR>
<a href="http://www.landmarkeducation.com/display_content.jsp?top=21&mid=80&bottom=124&siteObjectID=368">http://www.landmarkeducation.com/display_content.jsp?top=21&mid=80&bottom=124&siteObjectID=368</a><BR>

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From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 3 December 2003<P>

Yeah Misti, I love to push the edges with words and I read a bit of erotica myself Anias Nin and Henry Miller are two that I have read. Sometimes I even get a little worried about what I write, but that's just me. What little porn I've seen was quite distasteful animalistic voyerism, but yes we are all just barbarians looking for a place to barberize ha. PBS just had a news item on PORN saying that the vast majority of women that make the movies make one and never do it again and are humiliated and degraded and used like the pawns they are. <BR>
Just think there will be you doing it with some idiot for a lifetime of your children and grandchildren to forever grimace at. Your husband to be can watch you in the flesh doing it with some jerk at his own stag party. There is always more flesh to use and as long as it is usable then people will sell their souls and for what? That quick fix MONEY. Somehow as my mothers favorite saying goes " I would rather root with the hogs." Mickey D and Wal Mart employees may have to sell out but they have Insurance, Paid Holidays, Vacations, 401k. The girls in porn just get screwed and spit loose. One in a million makes a lot of dough just like rock and movie stars. I remember meeting some star in porn and he was incensed that I did not know who he was. Like I should know. (What an ego trip he was on) EWWWW ha<BR>
<BR>
Wal Mart may be buying too many Chinese goods but If I had to I'd rather slave in an honest day there helping people find things than sell my soul to PORNO. But again this is just one womans opinion. <BR>
<BR>
bk
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